THE joint approach towards peace in Northern Ireland by both Irish and British governments must be maintained in the "critical and difficult" weeks ahead, the Tanaiste, Mr Spring said in London at the weekend.
Addressing the Irish Club, St Patrick's Day Ball, the Tanaiste said there must be "no repetition of the hiccups" which had occurred. "Both governments must deliver on the joint commitment in the communique of February 28th", he said.
"If there is one lesson of the past 25 years, it is that progress towards a political solution in Northern Ireland is only possible on the basis of the two governments working together in co operation with the parties in Northern Ireland."
The IRA must now respond to the demand of the Irish people and the friends of Ireland everywhere for restoration of the ceasefire, the Tanaiste said. This represented "that other essential ingredient" so necessary for the full restoration of the mood of confidence in political and economic progress which had developed in the past 18 months.
Referring to last week's renewal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) by the Commons, Mr Spring said he had called for the dismantling of this kind of legislation. However, the recent activities of the IRA made this more difficult to achieve. The PTA provisions frequently appeared to be directed specifically against members of the Irish community, in Britain, or Irish people travelling between these islands, rather than in a legitimate way against terrorism.
The Irish Embassy in London would continue to raise any concerns which the Irish community in Britain had about the operation of the PTA with the British authorities.
Referring to all party negotiations and the stipulation that Sinn Fein could only participate if the cessation of violence by the IRA was restored, Mr Spring reiterated that there could be "no question of any other condition". He again called on the IRA to restore the ceasefire.
Referring to the situation of Patrick Kelly, seriously ill with cancer in Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim, the Tanaiste said the building of confidence included a "compassionate approach" to such cases and a "constructive attitude" to prisoner issues.
"I know that the concern about the case of Mr Kelly is not confined to Ireland or Irish people but is shared by many in political, legal and religious circles here in Britain," Mr Spring said.
He said Anglo Irish co operation was crucial to the well being of the Irish community in Britain.